Scored three times as Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 after qualifying for their first major tournament since 1958.

Bale, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2013 for a then world record fee of £85m, has helped the Spanish side win five trophies in the past three seasons, including the Champions League twice, in 2014 and 2016.

He is on the shortlist for the 2016 Ballon d'Or award, and also made the top three for Uefa's Best Player in Europe title which was won by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cycling gold in Rio meant she was the first Briton since 1988 to win a medal in two sports at the same Paralympics.

Cox, from Leeds, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago. She earned a gold in the T38 athletics 400m and triumphed in the C4-5 time trial. She also took athletics silver in the T35-38 4x100m relay and bronze in the T38 100m.

Picked to be GB's flagbearer at the Rio closing ceremony, a brilliant year also saw her claim a track cycling World Championship gold in the 500m time trial.

Sports Personality record: First nomination. No Paralympian has won the main award, though wheelchair racer David Weir was fifth in 2012.